Bordeaux-Bègles’ Champions Cup triumph ought to have been all champagne and confetti, however as an alternative it’s Henry Pollock memes and a splash of French mischief stealing the highlight this Sunday.
The Top 14 facet’s gamers had been caught poking enjoyable on the 20-year-old Northampton No.8 within the aftermath of their 28–20 win in Cardiff, sparking a flurry of finger-pointing, on-line sniping and good old style rugby banter between followers on X.
UBB gamers, together with fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and head coach Yannick Bru, had been caught on digital camera showing to single out the 20-year-old England back-rower throughout post-match celebrations.
Their actions have drawn criticism from journalists, gamers and Saints’ supporters alike, stirring debate over the place the road sits between aggressive edge and disrespect.
Revered Northampton Chronicle journalist Tom Vickers summed up the temper of many in Saints circles, posting on X: “Saints boss Phil Dowson: “Credit score to Bordeaux. It was a incredible efficiency and we noticed their high quality throughout the pitch. I hope they get pleasure from their celebrations.” UBB 10 Matthieu Jalibert and head coach Yannick Bru mocking 20-year-old Henry Pollock final evening… You’ll be able to’t purchase class.”
🏆 Champions d’Europe, ils peuvent chambrer Pollock 😊
Celle-là je vais me l’encadrer @MattJalibert et @YannBru 😁#NORvUBB #WeareUBB #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/B3755qCqI8— catourneovale (@catourneovale) May 25, 2025
That sentiment was echoed in Saints quarters on social media, with one fan remarking sarcastically: “While the followers ought to have been out celebrating their success they determined trolling and mocking was a a lot better option to spend their time.”
Others had been extra direct. “Loopy the quantity of shit Henry Pollock is getting from followers and UBB gamers mocking a 20YO,” wrote former Saints hooker and Fiji worldwide Sam Matavesi. “Absolutely we’d like gamers like him rising the sport. What a participant and what a bloke!!”
The Champions Cup last actually led to unhealthy blood, with Jalibert and others confronting Pollock after the ultimate whistle.
Talking to BBC Sport, the France worldwide claimed that Saints gamers had made remarks earlier than the match that UBB took personally.
“I advised him (Pollock) that he didn’t know our membership,” stated Jalibert. “They stated some issues within the press which we didn’t actually recognize… They stated that we had been a membership of mercenaries who’re right here for the cash. I simply advised him that he doesn’t know our historical past, the place we got here from and that he should respect all golf equipment.”
Regardless of Jalibert’s rationalization, many observers have questioned why Bordeaux’s celebrations appeared to revolve so closely round one opposition participant. “I’m shocked if in case you have simply gained a European Cup, the very first thing you need to do is begin a battle with a 20-year-old,” stated Saints and Lions fly-half Fin Smith. “I felt that was attention-grabbing.”
Photographs later emerged from the Bordeaux altering room exhibiting gamers posing with two fingers on their necks, mocking Pollock’s celebration in opposition to Leinster in Saints’ epic Champions Cup semi-final win in Dublin.
But for all of the outrage, others see Pollock as a participant opponents must get used to disliking. “Henry Pollock already getting in gamers’ heads,” wrote rugby analyst Paul Williams. “From all types of groups. He’ll drive the Australian supporters psychological.”
Some followers pushed again in opposition to the criticism directed on the rookie, with one posting: “And once more for these slagging off Henry Pollock, one: you both didn’t watch the sport yesterday, haven’t any clue about rugby, or are only a pathetic try of a human. Take a look at the stats, and the very fact he’s a child taking part in in a significant last for the primary time? He’s class.”
Pollock’s rise this season has been meteoric. Nonetheless solely 20, he has turn into a breakout star for Saints and England, and might now sit up for a British & Irish Lions tour in Australia.
Whereas the talk over Bordeaux’s behaviour continues, what’s not unsure is that Pollock has rapidly turn into one of the talked-about gamers within the sport.
